The Chemistry of Life: Why Phosphorus and Nitrogen Rule the Stars

The study highlights that the fate of these life-giving elements depends heavily on what scientists call "oxygen balance" during the planet's birth. This does not refer to atmospheric oxygen, but rather the total amount of oxygen present in the molten rock as the planet cools. When a planet is in its formative, liquid state, heavy elements like iron sink toward the center to form the core. The chemical state of the mantle at this moment dictates whether phosphorus and nitrogen will remain near the surface or be dragged down into the depths, forever out of reach for potential biological processes.